Still, concerns remain about systems’ potential to violate personal privacy as well as their overall cost-effectiveness. A 2013 New York Times/CBS poll found that 78% of respondents supported the use of surveillance cameras in public places, and authorities tend to point to spectacular successes - for example, crucial images cameras provided of the Boston Marathon bombing suspects or the identification of those responsible for the 2005 London attacks. The 9/11 attacks led many municipalities to start installing CCTV systems, but sometimes what’s put in place goes beyond the original mandate: For example, Oakland, Calif., took $7 million of federal money intended for safeguarding its port and is using it to create a citywide surveillance system instead.Īccording to industry estimates, the global video surveillance market is expected to grow from $11.5 billion in 2008 to $37.7 billion in 2015. networks - which has prompted civil liberties groups to express strong concerns - while in New York, cameras are increasingly found both on public transit as well as in businesses and even high-end residences. Chicago reportedly has at least 15,000 cameras installed in one of the largest U.S. residents - and the number continues to rise. The United Kingdom is one of the most enthusiastic proponents, with an estimated 1.9 million cameras in 2011 - one for every 32 U.K. Millions of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras are installed in streets and businesses throughout the world with the stated goal of reducing crime and increasing public safety.